Use of JPSS ATMS, CrIS, and VIIRS data to Improve Tropical Cyclone Track and Intensity Forecasting

Data from the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) Suomi National Polar Orbiting Partnership (S-NPP) satellite provide unique information that could be critical for the forecasting of tropical cyclone (TC) track and intensity and is currently underutilized. An overview of several JPSS-Proving Ground Risk Reduction (PGRR)-TC applications that use data from the Advanced Technology Microwave Sounder (ATMS), the Cross-Track Infrared Sounder (CrIS), and the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS), carried by the S-NPP, will be presented. Each of these applications aims to quantify variations of the TC structure and environment based on the highly accurate JPSS data. To better utilize such information, predictors based on those quantitative estimates will be used as input to the operational statistical-dynamical TC intensity forecasting models including the Rapid Intensification Index (RII). RII is a tool for forecasting TC rapid intensification events, the most challenging and important intensity forecasts. To further aid forecasters, these applications can be also used as standalone tools providing key information not available from other sources.  The applications that will be discussed include the moisture flux, the monitoring of warm core changes, the automated objective detection of the eye formation and eye-formation forecasting, and the storm-centered TC VIIRS imagery, including day-night band (DNB) imagery.

Disclaimer: The views, opinions, and findings contained in this article are those of the authors and should not be construed as an official National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) or U.S. Government position, policy, or decision.